You'll get to see them from time to time, I'm sure. They just have to come to you now or you get invited over to their place! You keep your friends. Some people I know keep their friends while they are at work and then afterward they don't see or hear from them any more! Yours wouldn't be like that.

I'm glad that you had such a great time with Mariposita. Next time you see her, give her a hug for me and plenty for yourself. I know how it feels to have worked with people so long that it hurts no matter the reason to leave. What is good about your situation, is that you've got friends that will always be in contact with you and you with them. That's what's nice about family. They are always there for you even if it's a phone call away or just an e-mail away! Maybe we can call each other one day.